Lettuce variety &#39;elevate&#39;

ABSTRACT

New lettuce variety designated ‘Elevate’, is described. ‘Elevate’, is a lettuce variety exhibiting exhibit stability and uniformity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/675,618, filed May 23, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of plant breeding. In particular, this invention relates to new lettuce, Lactuca sativa, varieties ‘Sunchaser’, ‘PS1519’, ‘Elevate’, and ‘Payday’.

BACKGROUND

Lettuce is an increasingly popular crop. Worldwide lettuce consumption continues to increase. As a result of this demand, there is a continued need for new lettuce varieties. In particular, there is a need for improved iceberg lettuce varieties that are stable, high yielding, and agronomically sound.

SUMMARY

In order to meet these needs, the present invention is directed to improved lettuce varieties.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seed designated as ‘Sunchaser’ having ATCC Accession Number X1. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘Sunchaser’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing ‘Sunchaser’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X1. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed, plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘Sunchaser’ as a parent, where ‘Sunchaser’ is grown from ‘Sunchaser’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X1.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovules isolated from ‘Sunchaser’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Sunchaser’ lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘Sunchaser’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selecting lettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘Sunchaser’ lettuce plant, where the plants are grown from lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X1; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with a plant grown from ‘Sunchaser’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X1. In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seed designated as ‘PS1519’ having ATCC Accession Number X2. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘PS1519’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing ‘PS1519’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X2. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed, plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘PS1519’ as a parent, where ‘PS1519’ is grown from ‘PS1519’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X2.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovules isolated from ‘PS1519’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘PS1519’ lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘PS1519’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selecting lettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘PS1519’ lettuce plant, where the plants are grown from lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X2; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with a plant grown from ‘PS1519’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X2. In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seed designated as ‘Elevate’ having ATCC Accession Number X3. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘Elevate’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing ‘Elevate’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X3. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed, plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘Elevate’ as a parent, where ‘Elevate’ is grown from ‘Elevate’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X3.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovules isolated from ‘Elevate’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Elevate’ lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘Elevate’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selecting lettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘Elevate’ lettuce plant, where the plants are grown from lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X3; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with a plant grown from ‘Elevate’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X3. In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seed designated as ‘Payday’ having ATCC Accession Number X4. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa lettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘Payday’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca sativa plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing ‘Payday’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X4. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa lettuce seed, plants grown from the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘Payday’ as a parent, where ‘Payday’ is grown from ‘Payday’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X4.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovules isolated from ‘Payday’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Payday’ lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘Payday’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selecting lettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘Payday’ lettuce plant, where the plants are grown from lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X4; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present invention is further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom, where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with a plant grown from ‘Payday’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X4. In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant is isolated by the breeding method of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawings will be provided by the office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

FIGS. 1A-1I show lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516). FIG. 1A shows heads of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516). FIG. 1B shows a side view of heads of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’. FIG. 1C shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’. FIG. 1D shows a cross-sectional view of heads of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’. FIG. 1E shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’. FIG. 1F shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516). FIG. 1G shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’. FIG. 1H shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516). FIG. 1I shows bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’.

FIGS. 2A-2K show comparisons between lettuce varieties ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516), ‘Speedway’ (PS1169; U.S. Pat. No. 8,404,937). FIG. 2A shows heads of lettuce varieties ‘Speedway’ (on left) and ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516; on right). FIG. 2B shows a side view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516; top row) and ‘Speedway’ (bottom row). FIG. 2C shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516; top row) and ‘Speedway’ (bottom row). FIG. 2D shows a cross-sectional view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516; top row) and ‘Speedway’ (bottom row). FIG. 2E shows a top view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516; top row) and ‘Speedway’ (bottom row). FIG. 2F shows seedlings of lettuce varieties ‘Sunchaser’ (PS1516; bottom row) and ‘Speedway’ (PS1169; top row). FIG. 2G shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Speedway’ (PS1169). FIG. 211 shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Speedway’. FIG. 2I shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Speedway’. FIG. 2J shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce variety ‘Speedway’. FIG. 2K shows bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘Speedway’.

FIGS. 3A-3J show lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3). FIG. 3A shows heads of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3). FIG. 3B shows a side view of a head of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3). FIG. 3C shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3). FIG. 3D shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3). FIG. 3E shows heads of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’. FIG. 3F shows plants of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’. FIG. 3G shows plants of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’. FIG. 3H shows bottom and cross-sectional views of heads of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3). FIG. 3I shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’. FIG. 3J shows bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3).

FIGS. 4A-4P show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Raider’ (PS1014) and ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3). FIG. 4A shows heads of lettuce varieties ‘Raider’ (PS1014; on left) and ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3; on right). FIG. 4B shows a side view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Raider’ (PS1014; on left) and ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3; on right). FIG. 4C shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Raider’ (PS1014; on left) and ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3; on right). FIG. 4D shows a cross-sectional view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Raider’ (PS1014; on left) and ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3; on right). FIG. 4E shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Raider’ (PS1014; on left) and ‘PS1519’ (on right). FIG. 4F shows a side view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Raider’ (PS1014; on left) and ‘PS1519’ (on right). FIG. 4G shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Raider’ (PS1014; on left) and ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3; on right). FIG. 4H shows cross-sectional views of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Raider’ (PS1014; two on left) and ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3; two on right). FIG. 4I shows bottom and cross-sectional views of heads of lettuce variety ‘Raider’ (PS1014). FIG. 4J shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Raider’ (PS1014). FIG. 4K shows heads of lettuce varieties ‘Raider’ (PS1014; on left) and ‘PS1519’ (14RDSJV022-3; on right). FIG. 4L shows heads of lettuce variety ‘Raider’ (PS1014). FIG. 4M shows heads of lettuce variety ‘Raider’ (PS1014). FIG. 4N shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Raider’ (PS1014). FIG. 4O shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Raider’. FIG. 4P shows bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘Raider.’

FIGS. 5A-5M show lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ (PS1512). FIG. 5A shows heads of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ (PS1512). FIG. 5B shows a top view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ (PS1512). FIG. 5C shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ (PS1512). FIG. 5D shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’. FIG. 5E shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ (PS1512). FIG. 5F shows heads of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’. FIG. 5G shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ (PS1512). FIG. 5H shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’. FIG. 5I shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’. FIG. 5J shows cross-sectional views of a head of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’. FIG. 5K shows cross-sectional views of a head of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’. FIG. 5L shows heads of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ in a carton. FIG. 5M shows bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’.

FIGS. 6A-6P show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Gun Slinger’ (PS1013; U.S. Pat. No. 8,362,326) and ‘Elevate’ (PS1512). FIG. 6A shows heads of lettuce varieties ‘Elevate’ (PS1512; on left) and ‘Gun Slinger’ (PS1013; on right). FIG. 6B shows a top view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Gun Slinger’ (PS1013; on left) and ‘Elevate’ (PS1512; on right). FIG. 6C shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Gun Slinger’ (PS1013; on left) and ‘Elevate’ (PS1512; on right). FIG. 6D shows cross-sectional views of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Gun Slinger’ (PS1013; top row) and ‘Elevate’ (PS1512; bottom row). FIG. 6E shows side views of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Elevate’ (top row) and ‘Gun Slinger’ (bottom row). FIG. 6F shows top views of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Elevate’ (top row) and ‘Gun Slinger’ (bottom row). FIG. 6G shows cross-sectional views of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Elevate’ (top row) and ‘Gun Slinger’ (bottom row). FIG. 6H shows seedlings of lettuce varieties ‘Elevate’ (right column) and ‘Gun Slinger’ (left column). FIG. 6I shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’ (PS1013). FIG. 6J shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’ (PS1013). FIG. 6K shows heads of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’. FIG. 6L shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’. FIG. 6M shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’. FIG. 6N shows heads of lettuce varieties ‘Elevate’ (right carton) and ‘Gun Slinger’ (left carton) in cartons. FIG. 6O shows heads of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’ in a carton. FIG. 6P shows bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’.

FIGS. 7A-7J show lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (PS1515). FIG. 7A shows heads of lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (PS1515). FIG. 7B shows a side view of heads of lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (PS1515). FIG. 7C shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (PS1515). FIG. 7D shows a cross-sectional view of heads of lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (PS1515). FIG. 7E shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Payday’. FIG. 7F shows heads of lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (PS1515). FIG. 7G shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Payday’. FIG. 7H shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (PS1515). FIG. 7I shows bottom views of heads of lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (PS1515). FIG. 7J shows bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (PS1515).

FIGS. 8A-8M show a comparison between lettuce varieties ‘Payday’ (PS1515) and ‘Primetime’ (PS1037). FIG. 8A shows heads of lettuce varieties ‘Primetime’ (PS1037; on left) and ‘Payday’ (PS1515; on right). FIG. 8B shows side views of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Payday’ (PS1515; top row) and ‘Primetime’ (PS1037; bottom row). FIG. 8C shows bottom views of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Payday’ (PS1515; top row) and ‘Primetime’ (PS1037; bottom row). FIG. 8D shows cross-sectional views of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Payday’ (PS1515; top row) and ‘Primetime’ (PS1037; bottom row). FIG. 8E shows top views of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Payday’ (PS1515; top row) and ‘Primetime’ (PS1037; bottom row). FIG. 8F shows seedlings of lettuce varieties ‘Payday’ (PS1515; bottom row) and ‘Primetime’ (PS1037; top row). FIG. 8G shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Primetime’. FIG. 8H shows a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Primetime’ (PS1037). FIG. 8I shows leaves of lettuce varieties ‘Payday’ (PS1515; two on right) and ‘Primetime’ (PS1037; two on left). FIG. 8J shows bottom views of heads of lettuce variety ‘Primetime’ (PS1037). FIG. 8K shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Primetime’ (PS1037). FIG. 8L shows heads of lettuce variety ‘Primetime’ (PS1037). FIG. 8M shows bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘Primetime’.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

In order to more clearly understand the invention, the following definitions are provided:

Core Length: Core length is the length of the internal lettuce stem. Core length is measured from the base of the cut head to the tip of the core.

Core Diameter: Core diameter is the diameter of the lettuce stem at the base of the cut head.

Heart Length: Heart length is the length of the vertically sliced lettuce plant as measured from the base of the cut stem to the top leaf margin of the longest outermost leaf that encloses the green leaf heart.

Plant Diameter: The plant diameter is a measurement across the top of the lettuce plant at its widest point. The measurement of frame diameter is taken from the outer most leaf tip horizontally to the outer most leaf tip.

Head Diameter: Head diameter is the diameter of the vertically sliced lettuce plant head at its widest horizontal point, perpendicular to the stem.

Head Length: Head length is the diameter of the vertically sliced lettuce plant head as measured from the base of the cut stem to the cap leaf.

Head Weight: Head weight is the weight of the marketable lettuce plant, cut and trimmed to market specifications.

Lettuce Mosaic Virus: A disease that can cause a stunted, deformed, or mottled pattern in young lettuce and yellow, twisted, and deformed leaves in older lettuce.

Maturity Date: Maturity refers to the stage when the plants are of full size or optimum weight, in marketable form or shape to be of commercial or economic value.

Munsell: Munsell refers to the Munsell Color Chart, which uses the Munsell color system.

Nasonovia ribisnigri: A lettuce aphid that colonizes the innermost leaves of the lettuce plant, contaminating areas that cannot be treated easily with insecticides.

Tip burn: Means a browning of the edges or tips of lettuce leaves that is a physiological response to a lack of calcium.

Tomato Bushy Stunt: Lettuce dieback was first observed in California in the mid-1980 s, and reports of the disease have increased over the last 10 years. Complete crop losses have occurred in fields of Green Leaf lettuce, and no commercial Green Leaf cultivar has been shown to be resistant to the disease. In the U.S., Green Leaf is a rapidly growing market segment, having increased 68% over the last five years (USDA, 2002). The disease has occurred in commercial fields of some leaf lettuce cultivars; however, symptoms have never been observed on any modern crisphead (iceberg) cultivars. Lettuce dieback is caused by several related tombusviruses including tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) and lettuce necrotic stunt virus (LNSV) (Liu et al., 1999; Obermeier et al., 2001). These are soil-borne, highly stable, and mechanically transmitted, and have no known vector. The conditions affecting symptom development remain poorly understood. The disease is frequently observed in low-lying areas of fields with a prior history of flooding, suggesting that the virus may be carried in river water and/or that disease symptoms may be associated with increased root stresses such as those presented by excess moisture. No effective cultural or chemical control methods have yet been identified.

Resistance to Tomato Busy Stunt refers to a level of resistance in a lettuce variety as measured by visual symptoms. Resistance is deemed present when symptoms are not present in at least 95% of a lettuce variety when exposed to tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV).

Taking into account these definitions, the present invention is directed to seeds of the lettuce varieties ‘Sunchaser’, ‘PS1519’, ‘Elevate’, and ‘Payday’, plants produced by growing ‘Sunchaser’, ‘PS1519’, ‘Elevate’, and/or ‘Payday’ lettuce seeds, heads isolated or harvested from the plants, one or more plants selected from a collection of ‘Sunchaser’, ‘PS1519’, ‘Elevate’, and/or ‘Payday’ plants and seeds derived or produced therefrom; plants produced by crossing a lettuce plant with a ‘Sunchaser’, ‘PS1519’, ‘Elevate’, and/or ‘Payday’ lettuce plant and seeds derived or produced therefrom.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Sunchaser’

‘Sunchaser’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This variety is distinct and unique to all other iceberg lettuce varieties due to its later maturing time, larger core diameter, larger stem length, increased head weight, more upright frame, and more upright heading. Moreover, ‘Sunchaser’ has a growing season that includes autumn, and is suitable for cultivation in the open. ‘Sunchaser’ is adapted to growing in regions such as the Southwest regions of the United States, for example California and the Arizona desert. FIG. 1A-1D and 1H depict heads of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’, FIGS. 1E-1F depict seedlings of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’, FIG. 1G depicts plants of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’, and FIG. 1I depicts bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’. Lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its later maturing time, more upright frame, more upright heading, and increased head weight.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has been self-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with careful attention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in variety ‘Sunchaser’.

Lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg); Vanguard Group

Seed:

Color: White

Leaves:

Cotyledon to fourth leaf stage:

Shape of cotyledons: Intermediate

Shape of fourth leaf: Oval

Apical margin: Finely dentate

Basal margin: Moderately dentate

Undulation: Slight

Green color: Dark green

Anthocyanin:

-   -   Distribution: Absent     -   Cupping: Slight     -   Reflexing: None         Mature leaves:

Incision depth of margin: Moderate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)

Indentation of margin: Crenate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)

Undulations of the apical margin: Moderate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)

Green color: Munsell 5GY 5/6 (Dark green; comparable to ‘Vanguard’)

Hue of green color of mature outer leaves: Greyish

Intensity of color of mature outer leaves: Medium

Anthocyanin:

-   -   Coloration: Absent     -   Distribution: Absent     -   Size: Medium     -   Glossiness: Dull (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)     -   Blistering: Moderate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)     -   Leaf thickness: Thick     -   Trichomes: Absent (smooth)

Plant:

Spread of frame leaves: 49.8 cm Head diameter: 139.1 mm Head shape: Elongate Head degree of overlapping of upper part of leaves: Strong Head size class: Medium Head per carton: 24 Head weight: 647.7 g Head firmness: Firm

Plant Butt:

Shape: Rounded

Midrib: Moderately raised

Plant Core:

Diameter at base of head: 34.6 mm Ratio of head diameter/core diameter: 4.0 Core height from base of head to apex: 30.2 mm

Bolting:

Class: Medium

Bolter leaves: Curved

Margin: Entire

Color: Dark green Days from first water date to seed stalk emergence under summer conditions: 71 days

Bolter Habit:

Lateral shoots: Present Basal side shoots: Absent

Disease/Pest Resistance:

Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:16-18, Bl:20-27, Bl:29-Bl:31, and Bl:33 Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible

Pests:

-   -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible

Comparisons to Other Lettuce Variety

Table 1 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ with the lettuce variety ‘Speedway’ (U.S. Pat. No. 8,404,937). Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Speedway’.

TABLE 1 Characteristic ‘Sunchaser’ ‘Speedway’ Time to maturity Later maturing Earlier maturing Core diameter Larger core diameter Smaller core diameter Stem length Larger stem length Smaller stem length Frame More upright frame Less upright frame Heading More upright heading Less upright heading Head weight Increased head weight Lower head weight

Table 2 below compares additional characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ with the lettuce variety ‘Speedway’. Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Speedway’.

TABLE 2 Characteristic ‘Sunchaser’ ‘Speedway’ Green color of mature leaves Munsell 5GY 5/6 Munsell 5GY 4/8 Spread of frame leaves  49.8 cm 50.08 cm Head diameter 139.1 mm 141.9 mm Head weight 647.7 g 599.7 g Diameter at base of head  34.6 mm 31.35 mm Core height from base to apex  30.2 mm  26.9 mm

Tables 3A and 3B below show results of a first trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ (Table 3A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Speedway’ (Table 3B).

TABLE 3A ‘Sunchaser’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max   685 g   157 mm   45 mm   34 mm  51.4 cm Min   300 g   122 mm   24 mm   26 mm  43.7 cm Average 484.75 g 142.30 mm 33.00 mm 29.80 mm 47.43 cm Std. Dev 106.05  10.48  6.40  2.31  2.53 cm

TABLE 3B ‘Speedway’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max   565 g   167 mm   35 mm   31 mm  52.4 cm Min   335 g   123 mm   21 mm   26 mm  44.5 cm Average 456.00 g 143.30 mm 26.70 mm 28.45 mm 48.03 cm Std. Dev  72.40  11.11  4.00  1.54  2.48

Tables 4A and 4B below show results of a second trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ (Table 4A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Speedway’ (Table 4B).

TABLE 4A ‘Sunchaser’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max   680 g   138 mm   32 mm   37 mm   50 cm Min   395 g   113 mm   21 mm   31 mm   44 cm Average   522 g 125.65 mm 25.8 mm 33.55 mm 46.6 cm Std. Dev 75.47  7.56 2.65  1.61 1.73

TABLE 4B ‘Speedway’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max   700 g  147 mm   27 mm   34 mm   51 cm Min   435 g  118 mm   20 mm   27 mm   43 cm Average 563.75 g  134 mm 23.65 mm 31.5 mm 47.5 cm Std. Dev  77.08 9.16  1.81 1.99 2.19

Tables 5A and 5B below show results of a third trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ (Table 5A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Speedway’ (Table 5B).

TABLE 5A ‘Sunchaser’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max   1270 g   171 mm   40 mm   49 mm   61 cm Min   730 g   125 mm   20 mm   35 mm   48 cm Average  935.5 g 149.2 mm 31.85 mm 40.5 mm 55.5 cm Std. Dev 149.15 11.39  4.86 3.25 2.96

TABLE 5B ‘Speedway’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core Diameter Frame Diameter Max   1010 g   170 mm   40 mm   40 mm   60 cm Min   580 g   122 mm   19 mm   31 mm   48 cm Average 779.25 g 148.35 mm 30.5 mm 34.1 mm 54.7 cm Std. Dev 118.93  12.39 4.50 2.71 3.01

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of the two varieties depicted in FIGS. 2A-2K.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘PS1519’

‘PS1519’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This variety is distinct and unique to all other iceberg lettuce varieties due to its improved weight, larger frame, improved uniformity, increased head diameter, increased core diameter, and earlier bolting. Moreover, ‘PS1519’ has a growing season that includes autumn, and is suitable for cultivation in the open. ‘PS1519’ is adapted to growing in regions such as the Southwest regions of the United States, for example California and the Arizona desert. FIGS. 3A-3E and 3H depict heads of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’, FIG. 3I depicts a seedling of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’, FIGS. 3F-3G depict plants of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’, and FIG. 3J depicts bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’. Lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its improved weight, larger frame, improved uniformity, and increased head diameter.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has been self-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with careful attention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in variety ‘PS1519’.

Lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg); Vanguard Group

Seed:

Color: Black

Light dormancy: Light not required Heat dormancy: Susceptible

Leaves:

Cotyledon to fourth leaf stage:

Shape of cotyledons: Intermediate

Shape of fourth leaf: Oval

Apical margin: Finely dentate

Basal margin: Coarsely dentate

Undulation: Medium

Green color: Dark green

Anthocyanin:

-   -   Distribution: Absent     -   Cupping: Slight     -   Reflexing: None         Mature leaves:

Incision depth of margin: Moderate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)

Indentation of margin: Shallowly dentate (comparable to ‘Great Lakes 65’)

Undulations of the apical margin: Moderate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)

Green color of mature leaf: Munsell 5GY 6/6 (Medium green; comparable to ‘Great Lakes’)

Hue of green color of mature outer leaves: Greyish

Intensity of color of outer leaves: Light

Anthocyanin:

-   -   Coloration: Absent     -   Distribution: Absent     -   Size: Medium     -   Glossiness: Moderate (comparable to ‘Salinas’)     -   Blistering: Moderate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)     -   Leaf thickness: Thick     -   Trichomes: Absent (smooth)

Plant:

Spread of frame leaves: 46.6 cm Head diameter: 150.3 mm Head shape: Spherical Head degree of overlapping of upper part of leaves: Medium Head size class: Medium Head per carton: 24 Head weight: 642.4 g Head firmness: Firm

Plant Butt:

Shape: Flat

Midrib: Moderately raised

Plant Core:

Diameter at base of head: 33.5 mm Ratio of head diameter/core diameter: 4.5 Core height from base to head of apex: 36.5 mm

Bolting:

Class: Medium

Bolter leaves: Curved

Margin: Entire

Color: Dark green Days from first water date to seed stalk emergence under summer conditions: 75 days

Bolter Habit

Terminal inflorescence: Present Lateral shoots: Present Basal side shoots: Absent

Disease/Pest Resistance:

Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:16-18, Bl:20-27, Bl:29-Bl:31, and B1:33

Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible

Pests:

-   -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible

Comparisons to Other Lettuce Variety

Table 6 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ with the lettuce variety ‘Raider’. Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘PS1519’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Raider’.

TABLE 6 Characteristic ‘PS1519’ ‘Raider’ Weight Increased weight Lower weight Frame Larger frame Smaller frame Uniformity Improved uniformity Uniform Bolting Earlier Later Head diameter Increased head diameter Smaller head diameter Core diameter Increased core diameter Smaller core diameter

Table 7 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ with the lettuce variety ‘Raider’ (PS1014). Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘PS1519’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Raider’.

TABLE 7 Characteristic ‘PS1519’ ‘Raider’ Green color of mature leaves Munsell 5GY 6/6 Munsell 5GY 5/6 Spread of frame leaves 46.6 cm 44.6 cm Head diameter 150.3 mm 146 mm Head weight 642.4 g 589.1 g Diameter at base of head 33.5 mm 31.8 mm Core height from base to apex 36.5 mm 33.7 mm

Tables 8A and 8B below show results of a first trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ (Table 8A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Raider’ (Table 8B).

TABLE 8A Head Core Core Frame ‘PS1519’ Head Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Diameter Max 1050 g 162 mm 47 mm 39 mm 54 cm Min 480 g 131 mm 27 mm 27 mm 47 cm Average 708.75 g 148.9 mm 36.5 mm 32.5 mm 50.7 cm Std. Dev 181.25 9.63 7.02 3.63 1.98

TABLE 8B Head Core Core Frame ‘Raider’ Head Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Diameter Max 855 g 164 mm 49 mm 34 mm 52 cm Min 430 g 124 mm 27 mm 28 mm 45 cm Average 663.25 g 147.25 mm 37.35 mm 31.4 mm 48.8 cm Std. Dev 116.27 9.33 5.35 1.85 2.24

Tables 9A and 9B below show results of a second trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, frame diameter, and head length of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ (Table 9A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Raider’ (Table 9B).

TABLE 9A Head Core Core Frame Head ‘PS1519’ Head Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Diameter Length Max 735 g   175 mm   56 mm   37 mm   48 cm   159 mm Min 405 g   130 mm   18 mm   30 mm   38 cm   125 mm Average 576 g 151.6 mm 36.5 mm 34.55 mm 42.5 cm 144.65 mm Std. Dev 90.74 10.63 8.87 2.01 2.65 9.19

TABLE 9B Head Core Core Frame Head ‘Raider’ Head Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Diameter Length Max 665 g    162 mm    43 mm   36 mm   46 cm   151 mm Min 355 g    125 mm    22 mm   28 mm   36 cm   130 mm Average 515 g 144.75 mm 29.95 mm 32.15 mm 40.3 cm 139.6 mm Std. Dev 82.30 10.95 5.73 2.37 2.56 7.04

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of the two varieties depicted in FIGS. 4A-4P.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Elevate’

‘Elevate’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This variety is distinct and unique to all other iceberg lettuce varieties due to its lighter green color, improved uniformity, larger head diameter, larger stem length, increased head weight, increased core diameter, and smaller frame size. Moreover, ‘Elevate’ has a growing season that includes winter, and is suitable for cultivation in the open. ‘Elevate’ is adapted to growing in regions such as the Southwest regions of the United States, for example California and the Arizona desert. FIGS. 5A-5D, 5F, and 5H-5L depict heads of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’, FIG. 5G depicts a seedling of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’, FIG. 5E depicts plants of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’, and FIG. 5M depicts bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’. Lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its lighter green color, improved uniformity, larger head diameter, and increased head weight.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has been self-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with careful attention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in variety ‘Elevate’.

Lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg); Salinas Group

Seed:

Color: Black

Leaves:

Cotyledon to fourth leaf stage:

Shape of cotyledons: Intermediate

Shape of fourth leaf: Oval

Apical margin: Finely dentate

Basal margin: Moderately dentate

Undulation: Slight

Green color: Dark green

Anthocyanin:

-   -   Distribution: Absent     -   Cupping: Slight     -   Reflexing: None         Mature leaves:

Incision depth of margin: Moderate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)

Indentation of margin: Shallowly dentate (comparable to ‘Great Lakes 65’)

Undulations of the apical margin: Moderate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)

Green color: Munsell 5GY 6/6 (Medium green; comparable to ‘Great Lakes’)

Hue of green color of mature outer leaves: Greyish

Intensity of color of outer leaves: Medium

Anthocyanin:

-   -   Coloration: Absent     -   Distribution: Absent     -   Size: Medium     -   Glossiness: Moderate (comparable to ‘Salinas’)     -   Blistering: Absent/slight (comparable to ‘Salinas’)     -   Leaf thickness: Thick     -   Trichomes of mature leaf: Absent (smooth)

Plant:

Spread of frame leaves: 47.9 cm Head diameter: 168.2 mm Head shape: Spherical Head degree of overlapping of upper part of leaves: Strong Head size class: Medium Head per carton: 24 Head weight: 722.5 g Head firmness: Moderate

Plant Butt:

Shape: Flat

Midrib: Flattened (comparable to ‘Salinas’)

Plant Core:

Diameter at base of head: 34.6 mm Ratio of head diameter core diameter: 4.8 Core height from base of head to apex: 41.9 mm

Bolting:

Class: Medium

Bolter leaves: Curved

Margin: Entire

Color: Medium green Days from first water date to seed stalk emergence under summer conditions: 69 days

Bolter Habit:

Lateral shoots: Present Basal side shoots: Absent

Disease/Pest Resistance:

Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:16-18, Bl:20-27, Bl:29-Bl:31, and Bl:33 Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible

Pests:

-   -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible

Comparisons to Other Lettuce Variety

Table 10 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ with the lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’ (U.S. Pat. No. 8,362,326). Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Elevate’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’.

TABLE 10 Characteristic ‘Elevate’ ‘Gun Slinger’ Leaf color Lighter green color Darker green color Uniformity Improved uniformity Uniform Head diameter Larger head diameter Smaller head diameter Stem length Larger stem length Smaller stem length Frame size Smaller frame size Larger frame size Head weight Increased head weight Lower head weight Core diameter Larger core diameter Smaller core diameter

Table 11 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ with the lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’ (PS1013). Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Elevate’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’.

TABLE 11 Characteristic ‘Elevate’ ‘Gun Slinger’ Green color of mature leaves Munsell 5GY 6/6 Munsell 5GY 5/6 Spread of frame leaves 47.9 cm 49.0 cm Head diameter 168.2 mm 161.7 mm Head weight 722.5 g 632.4 g Diameter at base of head 34.6 mm 32.9 mm Core height from base to apex 41.9 mm 37.2 mm

Tables 12A and 12B below show results of a first trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, frame diameter, and head length of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ (Table 12A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’ (Table 12B).

TABLE 12A Head Core Core Frame Head ‘Elevate’ Head Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Diameter Length Max   1020 g    193 mm    47 mm   38 mm   52 cm    168 mm Min   610 g    158 mm    31 mm   34 mm   42 cm    138 mm Average 825.75 g 174.15 mm 39.35 mm 36.5 mm 47.8 cm 155.15 mm Std. Dev 105.41 9.08 3.69 1.28 2.82 7.64

TABLE 12B ‘Gun Head Core Core Frame Head Slinger’ Head Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Diameter Length Max   790 g    197 mm    41 mm   37 mm    52 cm 158 mm Min   435 g    140 mm    28 mm   32 mm    45 cm 130 mm Average 631.5 g 163.25 mm 33.95 mm 34.5 mm 48.65 cm 143 mm Std. Dev 102.68 14.95 3.43 1.47 1.95 7.18

Tables 13A and 13B below show results of a second trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, frame diameter, and head length of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ (Table 13A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’ (Table 13B).

TABLE 13A Head Core Core Frame Head ‘Elevate’ Head Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Diameter Length Max   870 g   173 mm   60 mm   38 mm  50.5 cm   157 mm Min   515 g    144 mm   38 mm   32 mm  43.5 cm   123 mm Average 697.75 g 157.75 mm 48.3 mm 35.2 mm 46.05 cm 144.7 mm Std. Dev 92.87 6.10 5.94 1.58 2.12 9.29

TABLE 13B ‘Gun Head Core Core Frame Head Slinger’ Head Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Diameter Length Max 720 g   173 mm   50 mm   36 mm   51 cm   153 mm Min 465 g   135 mm   34 mm   29 mm  43.5 cm   128 mm Average 619 g 157.2 mm 40.7 mm 33.3 mm 46.65 cm 142.4 mm Std. Dev 66.90 9.70 4.57 1.42 2.41 7.42

Tables 14A and 14B below show results of a third trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ (Table 14A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Gun Slinger’ (Table 14B).

TABLE 14A Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Elevate’ Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Diameter Max 793 g 205 mm 45 mm 37 mm 54 cm Min 501 g 148 mm 32 mm 28 mm 43.5 cm Average 644.1 g 172.6 mm 38.2 mm 31.95 mm 50.13 cm Std. Dev 77.76 15.30 3.94 2.01 2.44

TABLE 14B ‘Gun Head Head Core Core Frame Slinger’ Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Diameter Max 830 g 185 mm 45 mm 37 mm 54.5 cm Min 510 g 143 mm 29 mm 28 mm 46 cm Average 646.75 g 164.6 mm 36.85 mm 31.15 mm 51.8 cm Std. Dev 94.07 15.08 3.92 2.74 2.23

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of the two varieties depicted in FIGS. 6A-6P.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Payday’

‘Payday’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This variety is distinct and unique to all other iceberg lettuce varieties due to its improved weight, improved uniformity, larger frame, increased core diameter, increased core length, smaller head size, and earlier flowering. Moreover, ‘Payday’ has a growing season that includes autumn, and is suitable for cultivation in the open. ‘Payday’ is adapted to growing in regions such as the Southwest regions of the United States, for example California and the Arizona desert. FIGS. 7A-7D, 7F and 7I depict heads of lettuce variety ‘Payday’, FIGS. 7G-7H depict seedlings of lettuce variety ‘Payday’, FIG. 7E depicts plants of lettuce variety ‘Payday’, and FIG. 7J depicts bolting plants of lettuce variety ‘Payday’. Lettuce variety ‘Payday’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its improved weight, improved uniformity, and larger frame.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has been self-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with careful attention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in variety ‘Payday’.

Lettuce variety ‘Payday’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg); Vanguard Group

Seed:

Color: Black

Leaves:

Cotyledon to fourth leaf stage:

Shape of cotyledons: Intermediate

Shape of fourth leaf: Oval

Apical margin: Moderately dentate

Basal margin: Finely dentate

Undulation: Medium

Green color: Medium green

Anthocyanin:

-   -   Distribution: Absent     -   Cupping: Slight     -   Reflexing: None         Mature leaves:

Incision depth of margin: Moderate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)

Indentation of margin: Crenate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)

Undulations of the apical margin: Moderate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)

Green color: Munsell 5GY 5/6 (Dark green; comparable to ‘Vanguard’)

Hue of green color of mature outer leaves: Greyish

Intensity of color of outer leaves: Medium

Anthocyanin:

-   -   Coloration: Absent     -   Distribution: Absent     -   Size: Medium     -   Glossiness: Dull (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)     -   Blistering: Moderate (comparable to ‘Vanguard’)     -   Leaf thickness: Intermediate     -   Trichomes: Absent (smooth)

Plant:

Spread of frame leaves: 44.6 cm Head diameter: 138.9 mm Head shape: Slightly flattened Head degree of overlapping of upper part of leaves: Medium Head size class: Medium Head per carton: 24 Head weight: 602 g Head firmness: Firm

Plant Butt:

Shape: Flat

Midrib: Moderately raised

Plant Core:

Diameter at base of head: 29.1 mm Ratio of head diameter/core diameter: 4.7 Core height from base of head to apex: 33.6 mm

Bolting:

Class: Medium

Bolter leaves: Curved

Margin: Entire

Color: Medium green Days from first water date to seed stalk emergence under summer conditions: 73 days

Bolter Habit:

Lateral shoots: Absent Basal side shoots: Present

Disease/Pest Resistance:

Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:16-18, Bl:20-27, Bl:29-Bl:31, and Bl:33 Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible

Pests:

-   -   Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible

Comparisons to Other Lettuce Variety

Table 15 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Payday’ with the lettuce variety ‘Primetime’ (PS1037). Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Payday’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Primetime’.

TABLE 15 Characteristic ‘Payday’ ‘Primetime’ Weight Increased weight Lower weight Uniformity Improved uniformity Uniform Frame Larger frame Smaller frame Flowering time Earlier flowering Later flowering Core diameter Larger core diameter Smaller core diameter Stem length Larger stem length Smaller stem length Head diameter Smaller head diameter Larger head diameter

Table 16 below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Payday’ with the lettuce variety ‘PS1037’. Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Payday’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Primetime’.

TABLE 16 Characteristic ‘Payday’ ‘Primetime’ Green color of mature leaves Munsell 5GY 5/6 Munsell 5GY 6/6 Spread of frame leaves 44.6 cm 43.9 cm Head diameter 138.9 mm 139.4 mm Head weight 602 g 547.1 g Diameter at base of head 29.1 mm 28.6 mm Core height from base to apex 33.6 mm 32.1 mm

Tables 17A and 17B below show results of a first trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (Table 17A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Primetime’ (Table 17B).

TABLE 17A Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Payday’ Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Diameter Max 690 g 161 mm 42 mm 33 mm 49 cm Min 300 g 121 mm 27 mm 27 mm 42 cm Average 531.75 g 141.25 mm 33.55 mm 29.75 mm 45.5 cm Std. Dev 102.56 9.82 4.75 1.74 2.24

TABLE 17B Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Primetime’ Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Diameter Max 755 g 173 mm 40 mm 33 mm 48 cm Min 355 g 135 mm 22 mm 25 mm 41 cm Average 483.68 g 148.53 mm 30.79 mm 29.32 mm 45.05 cm Std. Dev 122.82 10.07 5.58 2.38 2.27

Tables 18A and 18B below show results of a second trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (Table 18A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Primetime’ (Table 18B).

TABLE 18A Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Payday’ Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Diameter Max 790 g 149 mm 32 mm 36 mm 50 cm Min 485 g 121 mm 19 mm 23 mm 37 cm Average 645 g 137.1 mm 27.75 mm 31 mm 46.15 cm Std. Dev 92.02 7.50 3.48 3.23 3.05

TABLE 18B Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Primetime’ Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Diameter Max 805 g 147 mm 34 mm 34 mm 50 cm Min 435 g 119 mm 22 mm 27 mm 42 cm Average 598.25 g 133.15 mm 27.95 mm 31.55 mm 45.85 cm Std. Dev 119.26 8.85 3.59 1.93 2.35

Tables 19A and 19B below show results of a third trial that compares the head weight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of 20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Payday’ (Table 19A) with those of 20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Primetime’ (Table 19B).

TABLE 19A Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Payday’ Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Diameter Max 680 g 160 mm 50 mm 32 mm 47 cm Min 580 g 121 mm 27 mm 23 mm 36 cm Average 629.25 g 138.45 mm 39.6 mm 26.65 mm 42.05 cm Std. Dev 24.88 10.12 8.00 2.58 2.93

TABLE 19B Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Primetime’ Wt. Diameter Length Diameter Diameter Max 640 g 160 mm 51 mm 29 mm 48 cm Min 480 g 115 mm 25 mm 22 mm 34 cm Average 559.25 g 136.65 mm 37.55 mm 25 mm 41.05 cm Std. Dev 47.99 12.40 7.74 1.62 3.61

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of the two varieties depicted in FIGS. 8A-8M.

Further Embodiments Breeding

In lettuce breeding, lines are selected for their appropriate characteristics. For example, one line may be selected for bolt tolerance in the fall growing conditions of the desert production locations of California and Arizona. Another line may be selected for the size, color, and texture of the lettuce head. Crosses are made, for example, to produce a dark green, sure heading iceberg lettuce with improved texture, and size for fall plantings in Yuma, Arizona and the Salinas Valley, California.

To optimize crossing, it is important to note that lettuce is an obligate self-pollinating species. This means that the pollen is shed before stigma emergence, assuring 100% self-fertilization. Since each lettuce flower is an aggregate of about 10-20 individual florets (typical of the Compositae family), manual removal of the anther tubes containing the pollen is performed by procedures well known in the art of lettuce breeding.

The manual removal of anther tubes, though an effective means to ensure the removal of all self pollinating possibilities, is very tedious and time consuming when a large number of crosses are to be made. The breeders have therefore adapted a well documented and modified method of making crosses more efficiently using these methods. This particular cross was made by first misting the designated male flowers to wash the pollen off prior to fertilization. This process of misting is a proven and effective means of pollen removal that assures crossing or hybridization. About 60-90 minutes past sunrise, flowers to be used for crossings are selected. The basis for selection are open flowers, with the stigma emerged and the pollen visibly attached to the single stigma (about 10-20 stigma). Using 3-4 pumps of water from a regular spray bottle, the pollen is washed off with enough pressure to dislodge the pollen grains, but not enough to damage the style. Excess water is dried off with clean paper towels. About 30 minutes later, the styles should spring back up and the two lobes of the stigma are visibly open in a “V” shape. Pollen from another variety or donor parent is then introduced by gently rubbing the stigma and style of the donor parent to the maternal parent. Tags with the pertinent information on date and pedigree are then secured to the flowers in order to keep track.

About 2-3 weeks after pollination, seeds are harvested when the involucre have matured. The seeds are eventually sown and in the presence of markers such as leaf color or leaf margins, the selfed or maternal seedlings or plants are identified. Generally, there are no visible markers and breeders must wait until the F2 generations when expected segregation patterns for the genetic character of interest can be followed. This latter situation mandates a lengthy wait to determine if hybrids are produced. Two relevant references teaching methods for out crossing lettuce are: (1) Ryder, E. J. and A. S. Johnson. 1974. Mist depollination of lettuce flowers. Hortscience 9: 584; and (2) Nagata, R. T. 1992. Clip and Wash Method of Emasculation for Lettuce. Hortscience 27(8): 907-908 both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for the purpose of providing details on the techniques well known in the art.

Selection

In addition to crossing, selection may be used to identify and isolate new lettuce lines. In lettuce selection, lettuce seeds are planted, the plants are grown and single plant selections are made of plants with desired characteristics. Such characteristics may include improved head and frame size, deeper or darker green leaf color, etc. Seed from the single plant selections are harvested, separated from seeds of the other plants in the field and re-planted. The plants from the selected seed are monitored to determine if they exhibit the desired characteristics of the originally selected line. Selection work is continued over multiple generations to increase the uniformity of the new line.

Deposit Information Lettuce Variety ‘Sunchaser’

A deposit of the lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ is maintained by Pinnacle Seed, Inc., having an address of P.O. Box 222672, Carmel, Calif. 93923, United States of America. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit of at least 2,500 seeds of the same variety made according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection, (ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110, USA.

The lettuce variety ‘Sunchaser’ was deposited on (DATE) according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110, USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC number X1. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a public depository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years after the most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for the effective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if a deposit becomes nonviable during that period.

Lettuce variety ‘PS1519’

A deposit of the lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ is maintained by Pinnacle Seed, Inc., having an address of P.O. Box 222672, Carmel, Calif. 93923, United States of America. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit of at least 2,500 seeds of the same variety made according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection, (ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110, USA.

The lettuce variety ‘PS1519’ was deposited on (DATE) according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110, USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC number X2. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a public depository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years after the most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for the effective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if a deposit becomes nonviable during that period.

Lettuce Variety ‘Elevate’

A deposit of the lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ is maintained by Pinnacle Seed, Inc., having an address of P.O. Box 222672, Carmel, Calif. 93923, United States of America. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit of at least 2,500 seeds of the same variety made according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection, (ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110, USA.

The lettuce variety ‘Elevate’ was deposited on (DATE) according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110, USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC number X3. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a public depository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years after the most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for the effective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if a deposit becomes nonviable during that period.

Lettuce Variety ‘Payday’

A deposit of the lettuce variety ‘Payday’ is maintained by Pinnacle Seed, Inc., having an address of P.O. Box 222672, Carmel, Calif. 93923, United States of America. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit of at least 2,500 seeds of the same variety made according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection, (ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110, USA.

The lettuce variety ‘Payday’ was deposited on (DATE) according to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110, USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC Number X4. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a public depository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years after the most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for the effective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if a deposit becomes nonviable during that period. 

1. A Lactuca sativa seed designated as ‘Elevate’, representative sample of seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number X3.
 2. A Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the seed of claim
 1. 3. A plant part from the plant of claim
 2. 4. The plant part of claim 3, wherein said part is a head, a leaf, or a portion thereof.
 5. The plant part of claim 4, wherein said part is a head.
 6. A Lactuca sativa plant having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of the Lactuca sativa plant of claim
 2. 7. A plant part from the plant of claim
 6. 8. The plant part of claim 7, wherein said part is a head, a leaf, or a portion thereof.
 9. The plant part of claim 8, wherein said part is a head.
 10. An F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa plant having ‘Elevate’ as a parent where ‘Elevate’ is grown from the seed of claim
 1. 11. A pollen grain or an ovule of the plant of claim
 2. 12. A tissue culture of the plant of claim
 2. 13. A Lactuca sativa plant regenerated from the tissue culture of claim 12, wherein the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of a lettuce plant produced by growing seed designated as ‘Elevate’, representative sample of seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number X3.
 14. A method of making Lactuca sativa seeds, said method comprising crossing the plant of claim 2 with another lettuce plant and harvesting seed therefrom.
 15. A method of selecting Lactuca sativa, comprising: a) growing more than one plant from the seed of claim 1; and b) selecting a plant from step a).
 16. A Lactuca sativa plant selected by the method of claim
 15. 17. A Lactuca sativa seed produced from the Lactuca sativa plant of claim
 16. 